Is there a deduction if a car is painted with a different color from the original? If the original color is unknown , such as a car that was bought in primer and there is no paint code. can it be painted a color that the factory did use that year or may it be painted a color that is right for the style even if the factory may not have used it?

The car can be painted in an original color, but if a Ford is painted with a GM color of that same year it would be incorrect. "A vehicle may be painted any authentic color available for the model year of that vehicle." see Offical Judging Manual pg 74 of 1996, it is probably about that page in the 2000 book, but I would have to find it. SalG

It is still on page 74in the 2000 version.<BR>later-jac

Both of these replies are appropriate, but let me offer some amplification. The color must be one used for that manufacturer, and for that model, and for that year. Some manufacturers used certain colors on roadsters, for example, that they did not use on sedans of the same year. AACA does not check color codes on cars to determine if the color is actually the one used on that specific car. If a car has a color code that shows it was originally all black, it can be repainted all blue (if that was an original option for the model and that year). Also AACA accepts any type of paint (lacquer or enamel) as long as the color and appearance is authentic.

Thanks very much. I am both relieved and appreciative.